Modern and Effortlessly Editorial Wedding Inspiration at the Secret Tower, Newcastle, UK
A contemporary, minimalist celebration with maximalist feels for Sallie and Lee’s special day at possibly the North East's chicest hidden gem.
As Featured in Together Journal
OMG SAM!!! WOW! We absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM!!!! Yessssss abso love all the little moments you captured - wow you are incredible! Thank you so much, we’re absolutely overjoyed!!!!! Thank you thank you thank you!!!! - Sallie, Bride.
When Sallie and Lee celebrated not only their wedding, but everything that made them perfect for each other at The Secret Tower in Newcastle, their day was a breathtaking blend of modern elegance, minimalist charm and quiet sophistication. But there was nothing quiet about the love they shared or the joy of the people they chose to celebrate with.
As a wedding photographer, working with a couple who had such a clear vision and watching their vision come to life before everyone's eyes was an absolute joy.
From the stylish decor to the candid moments and heartfelt speeches, this wedding is the perfect inspiration for couples dreaming of a sophisticated yet deeply personal day.
The Venue
As a wedding photographer, I've seen my share of venues, but there's something special about The Secret Tower. Tucked away in Newcastle's city centre, it’s the absolute definition of a best-kept secret - a light-drenched, intimate venue with a blend of historic architecture and elegantly simple interiors that create a dreamy atmosphere you wouldn’t expect to find in a city wedding venue.
And if it wasn’t for the stunning rooftop terrace offering panoramic views, you’d be forgiven for forgetting you were smack bang in the middle of Newcastle.
The large arched windows allow natural light to cascade through, illuminating the space with a warmth that enhances every emotion-filled moment captured on film. A fabulous choice by this style-conscious couple, it's the kind of place where every shot feels both wonderfully unexpected and effortlessly timeless.
And I’m obsessed with every single one.
The Vision
From the beginning, Sallie and Lee knew they wanted a wedding that showcased their love for clean, modern aesthetics with intentional maximalist touches. In reality, the decor struck a tasteful balance of minimalism, and the addition of vibrant florals brought just the right amount of wow factor.
In other words, they absolutely nailed it.
A fresh, white ceremony room punctuated with gorgeously bright blooms and playful light set the stage perfectly for the candid, editorial vibe they were after, and believe me, we really leaned into that vibe. While their guests happily sipped on a glass of something chilled from the Aperol Spritz tower and mingled on the rooftop terrace, I suggested we seize the moment and capture their first portraits right there in the ceremony room.
Embracing both digital and 35mm film, I captured each frame with a timeless quality that complemented their vision beautifully. This spontaneous yet creative move not only captured their unique style but also allowed them to use every corner of the wedding venue to create something truly special.
The Moments
Your wedding day is undoubtedly one of the biggest days of your life. But what I love most about wedding photography is how it lets me dive headfirst into the day, capturing not just the big event,
but what will become some of the most unforgettable moments of your life.
And of course, these moments can be planned, like Sallie’s moving first look with her Dad before setting off to the wedding venue in the chicest campervan I’ve ever seen.
Or rehearsed, like the speeches performed by Sallie and Lee’s nearest and dearest, that were so thoughtful, emotion-filled and definitely got all the laughs.
Or they can be spontaneous, like the way the light totally got the memo for the effortlessly cool portraits on the city’s streets and lit up the dance floor for all the party vibes.
However they happen, editorial, candid photography is the perfect way to capture not just any moment, but the moments that really matter to you as a couple.
Sallie and Lee’s city-chic wedding day at The Secret Tower, Newcastle, was a testament to the idea that while you can plan your wedding day to perfection, there's always room for beautiful spontaneity, unrehearsed fun and those deeply personal moments that make it uniquely yours.
Always share your vision with your wedding photographer - it’s the best way to ensure they capture every moment just as you imagined.
(And sometimes, even better).
Team:
Wedding Photography: Sam Sparks Photography
Florist: Zoe The Wedding Florist
Dress: Hera Couture via Mrs W
MUA: Anna McClen
Hair: Jordyn Breanne
Cake: Mullers
Venue: The Secret Tower
